Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology was yesterday closed indefinitely following students riots.

Angry students complained that they had not been taught since they opened last week and demanded compensation from the university administration for the expenses they had incurred.

Riot police dispersed the students when they ignored the closure notice and turned violent.

In a terse closure notice signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nick Wanjohi, all the 3,000 students were ordered to vacate the university premises by 9.30am.

Meanwhile, Education minister George Saitoti said only dialogue would lead to a meaningful agreement between the striking lecturers and the Government.

Prof Saitoti said in a statement: "I am requesting the parties to give dialogue another chance to chart the way forward, as the implication of not reaching an agreement will be far-reaching and must be avoided."

Prof Saitoti had earlier met with the Joint Universities Council Forum, chaired by Dr Eddah Gachukia.

Immediately after the meeting with the minister, the forum invited Uasu to a meeting today at the University of Nairobi. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2.30pm.

Uasu chairman John Nderitu said he was happy that the Government was committed to dialogue to end the two-month strike.

The JKUAT student leaders said the closure was unprocedural.

Earlier, the students lit a huge bonfire at the entrance to the administration block using chairs from the offices and demanded Prof Wanjohi's removal.

They later raided the kitchen and looted food, utensils and other items as workers watched helplessly.

Police engaged the students in running battles which spilled over to the neighbouring villages of Gachororo and Muchatha.

At Kenyatta University, lecturers yesterday declared they would seek alternative jobs elsewhere if the Government refused to improve their terms of service.

In a meeting held at the university's graduation square, the more than 500 lecturers vowed never to resume work until the Government tabled figures on their improved remuneration.

At Egerton, most students who reported back at the Njoro campus last week, yesterday voluntarily left for their homes after the lecturers refused to end their strike.

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Additional reporting by Simon Siele